Today was my interventional pain specialist appointment. This particular procedure is called a celiac plexus block. The doctor inserts very long needles bilaterally around the thoracic region of my spine. A few different medications are then injected at the celiac plexus, a bundle of nerves that surround the aorta & send pain signals from the abdomen to the brain. This has actually been very beneficial for the pain that gastroparesis, small bowel dysmotility, & Crohn’s Disease causes in my abdomen. Narcotic use is very bad for anyone, but it’s especially bad for those of us with IBD & motility problems as it simply exacerbates pain over time & worsens motility. Depending on how bad my symptoms are, these injections can give me dramatic relief anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months! It’s truly been the BEST thing ever! I’m curious to see how this one works as my Crohn’s seems to be quite flared at the moment. I did go in today with my pain level at a 6 on the 1-10 scale. I’m currently calling it a 2. 🙌🏻 If you have crohnic abdominal pain, I suggest asking your doctor about having a celiac plexus block! 🤗❤️ #ThanksDrSobey
